Before Vikings game, Black Lives Matter halts St. Paul rail

Jason Thomas of Red Wing, one of the counterprotesters, said he objected to disrupting transit service for “a lot of innocent families just trying to enjoy the game” who “have nothing to do with Metro Transit”.

“We’re going to continue to attack that money”, he said, “because it’s the only thing that makes them listen”.

“I don’t understand why the number of fatalities is so high in the United States”, Gale said. Metro Transit officer stated in police records that Abrams was refusing to cooperate and tried to kick and punch officers. She said police have yet to release surveillance video of the incident.

At Hamline and University, several motorists honked their horns and raised their fists in support.

The group was asking for “Justice for Marcus Abrams”, a 17-year-old teen with autism who they say was a victim of police brutality.

Metro Transit police records show Abrams was arrested for standing on the light rail tracks and trespassing.

Metro Transit officials are preparing for interruptions along the Green Line Sunday morning due to a planned protest by Black Lives Matter St. Paul.

His mother, Maria Caldwell, said his disabilities should have been apparent to the officers.

A Metro Transit spokesperson says the incident remains under investigation.

Metro Transit said for people plan ahead Sunday morning around 9:30 because the protest may delay travel time on the Green Line.

People at the pro-police rally on the state capitol grounds told WCCO protests like the ones organized by Black Lives Matter hurt the entire police community and their families. The Facebook event page used #BlackRail as the hashtag to spread the word.

Black Lives Matter organizer Rashad Turner said he was pleased with the turnout and the way the protest unfolded. Knutson’s husband has been a Blaine police officer for 8 years.

“This is a disciplined, peaceful protest against this injustice and all police excessive force”, the group posted last week.